A slight majority of people agree with the new academic year for universities as it falls in line with the international and Asean bi-semester system, according to the result of an opinion poll carried out by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll was conducted on March 24-25 on 1,159 students aged 15 and over studying in secondary-level education institutes and universities throughout the country to compile their opinions on the new academic year for universities, which has been in force for nearly two years.
Under the new system for higher educational institutes in Thailand, the first semester runs from September to December (previously from June to October) and the second semester from January to May (previously from November to March).
However, for schools at the primary and secondary level the first semester still runs from May to September and the second semester from November to March.
Asked their opinion on the new system after newly two years in effect, 22.69% of the respondents said it was very good; 26.06% said it was fairly good; 23.81% said it was not quite suitable for Thailand; 13.03% thought it was not suitable at all; and, the rest were uncertain.
Those who agreed to the new university academic year said they supported it because it was more internationalised and Mathathom 6 or 12th grade students could have more time to prepare for their entrance examinations to various universities.
Those who disagreed to it said the high temperature in April and May is not suitable for sitting in classes and that the period between March and April is more suitable for holidays and tourism.
Asked whether they think this new academic year for universities should be cancelled, 38.71% of the respondents said "no"; 34.68% said "yes", saying that the old system should be reintroduced; 25.30% said they both were acceptable to them; and, the rest were uncertain.